RAMALLAH, September 1 (JMCC) - Some 150 Israeli academics have said in a letter that they will no longer work in Israeli settlements in support of a similar boycott by Israeli actors.

In a letter published on Sunday, the academics said they would no longer take part in any kind of cultural activity, or lecture in any kind of academic setting, in settlements built on land occupied following the Middle East war - demarcated by what is commonly known as the Green Line.

They explained that they wanted to show support and solidarity for the 53 actors, writers and directors who last week said they would not take part in performances at the new cultural centre built in Ariel.

We'd like to remind the Israeli public that, like all settlements, Ariel is also in occupied territory, the academics said.

If a future peace agreement with the Palestinian authorities puts Ariel within Israel's borders, then it will be treated like any other Israeli town.

Legitimatisation and acceptance of the settler enterprise cause critical damage to Israel's chances of achieving a peace accord with its Palestinian neighbours.